Hassle Hindsight Vinyl & CDs

Review: Over two decades since its initial release, the third full-length from emo veterans, Saves The Day, is still heralded as a high watermark for the pop-punk/post-hardcore scene of the 21st century. Switching out acclaimed producer, Steve Evetts, who manned the desks of their first two albums, Elliot Smith collaborator Rob Schnapf was enlisted to help the band channel their dynamic influences and conflicting emotions into an exceptional work of alternative, melancholic beauty. 'Stay What You Are', is often regarded as one of the focal points of the emo movement arriving on more accessible shores, and you'd be hard-pressed to find any self-respecting list of genre essentials that omits the project. Influencing a myriad of today's most prevalent and dynamic acts, this scene staple belongs on the shelf of any self-proclaimed, unashamed lover of emo.

Review: The combination of hardcore and pop-punk tropes that led to the term "easycore", has arguably had no greater example of its anthemic potential than on the seminal third full-length from Boston's Four Year Strong. 'Enemy Of The World' highlighted how comfortably hefty breakdowns could rest side by side with mega catchy hooks, imbued with earnest, emotive and motivating lyricism. From the stadium ready, 'On A Saturday (Tonight We Feel Alive)', to the chugging fan favourite, 'It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong Right Now' (titled as such in response to a shady review of friendly rivals Set Your Goals' sophomore effort), the project has gone on to not only be regarded as the band's finest work, but also a definitive genre staple in the decade since its initial release. A long overdue reissue, and essential purchase for the sub-genre aficionados.